Annual Report
2018-19 Season
Each year the LYO reflects on the season just ended to ensure that it accomplished the objectives set forth in our strategic plan and supported our mission to, "provide a musical experience of the highest quality for all dedicated young musicians and to provide artful and meaningful education programs for young audiences throughout our diverse communities regardless of race, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or economic circumstances."
The 2018-19 season was distinguished by outstanding performances and several important community activities:
November 11, 2018
November 18, 2018
November 19, 2017
December 9, 2018
December 16, 2018
February 6, 2019
March 16, 2019
March 23, 2019
April 28, 2019
“Long Journeys”
Classical Concert Series I
“Looking Back, Looking Ahead”
Classical Concert Series II
“Larger Than Life”
Discovery Concert Series I
Middle School Concert
“Holiday Magic”
Classical Concert Series III
“Festive Fiddles and Fanfares”
Pops Concert Series I
“Gheens Great Expectations”
Discovery Concert Series II
Side-By-Side with Louisville Orchestra
“The Music of Nature”
Classical Concert Series IV
“Dance Passion”
Classical Concert Series VI
“And They’re Off!”
Pops Concert Series II
Season opener at the Brown Theater for an audience of more than 500 people.
Concert at Highland Middle School in the Deer Park neighborhood. More than 500 people were in attendance.
Free concert for more than 1,300 middle school students at the Brown Theater. Educational syllabus provided to teachers.
A Holiday concert at Whitney Hall in collaboration with the Louisville Master Chorale.
A Holiday concert at the Youth Performing Arts School featuring seasonal music with broad appeal.
A free concert at Whitney Hall with the LYO playing side-by-side with the Louisville Orchestra. Sponsored by the Gheens Foundation.
Concert at North Oldham High School attracting concertgoers from Oldham County.
A classical concert at Brown Theater in collaboration with the Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble.
A free public concert at the Iroquois Amphitheater featuring all LYO ensembles as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
In addition to these concerts the LYO offered a middle school tour to four schools, a retirement home tour to four homes, Master Artist Chamber Player performances in five surrounding counties, our Presto! Strings programs in two at-risk schools and Global Drumming in three schools, two community centers and one nursing home.
Following our highly successful 2017-2018 season the LYO was pleased to announce three remarkable new coaches for our Horizons instrumental ensembles: Katie McDonald (trebles), Brandon Bell (single reeds) and John Little (brass).
Thanks to the generosity of Louisville Metro Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith we were also able to announce a new Presto! Strings class at Roosevelt Perry Elementary School.
The 2018-19 season was highly successful in terms of artistic accomplishment, community impact, and financial performance.
Total income was $421,740 and total expenses were $401.011. Most importantly, 84% of income went directly to education and production. Ending net assets were $433.403.
The Louisville Youth Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) organization and our Federal Tax ID is 61-0597184. We file an IRS Form 990 and conduct an audit each year, both of which can be viewed on Guidestar. The Louisville Youth Orchestra has met the Better Business Bureau’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability and is a BBB Accredited Charity. Click here to view the LYO’s full charity report.

We are extremely grateful to all those who make the LYO possible:
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Our patrons who support our programming and enable us to ensure that there are no financial barriers to membership.
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The families who tirelessly support the development of our members and the operations of our organization.
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The private teachers and school music programs that nurture the training of our members and their enthusiasm for orchestral music.
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Our incredible staff: Melody Welsh, Executive Director; Doug Elmore, Music Director; and all the talented people who conduct and support our remarkable young musicians.
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Our Board of Directors for their dedication, insight, and contributions to the success of our organization.
It was a memorable year and we look forward to another stunning season next year!